House batteries - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: House batteries (/showthread.php?tid=9086)

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House batteries - coach573 - 08-30-2026

I have a complete lithium set up ready to instal but I want to take a couple week long trips and dont have time before I want to leave to install it but my lead acid batteries are really in need of changing. What is the minimum number of house batteries I can run on if either the coach will be running, the generator running or I will be plugged in? Was thinking If I could get by on two house batteries I would just install two new lead acid till I get back if it would get me by and not hurt anything? Thoughts? Kent

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RE: House batteries - Jonestead - 08-30-2026

Our coach has only ever had 2 8D house batteries as that is how it was spec'd originally. So far, we've always been plugged in or on generator.

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RE: House batteries - HoosierDaddy - 08-30-2026

316 originally had (6) 8D battery’s. I ran it on (2) 8D for years .

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RE: House batteries - folivier - 08-31-2026

Years ago on #486 I had 4 of the 6 8D lead acid house batteries go bad while on a summer long trip through Canada. Disconnected the 4 bad ones and was able to do ok with the remaining 2. Even did a few nights boondocking although I had to run the generator once or twice to top off the batteries. This was with NO solar. The biggest draw was the Amana fridge and aquahot for heat and hot water.
So you should be ok with 2, just have to run generator occasionally if dry camping. If driving from power pole to next your alternator should keep up with your fridge usage.
Should have mentioned that I was in a similar situation with planning a LiFePO4 upgrade (which I did that winter) and didn't want to spend the money on replacing the LA's then have to dump them.

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RE: House batteries - coach573 - 08-31-2026

Thanks all for replying. I thought it might be fine but always better to hear from those who've been there done that! I will just throw 2 new ones in to get us through these couple trips and update the system in the fall. Thx Kent

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RE: House batteries - Richard - 09-01-2026

If it is just to get by, buy standard lead acids. And then you will have newer chassis batteries when you get the Lithium setup in .

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